First Halloween in Pittsburgh

Marcus D. Hanwell's Blog

First Halloween in Pittsburgh

Wednesday, October 31. 2007

So I had my first experience of Halloween in the US tonight. As I went grocery shopping I saw all the shops with big bowls full of sweets handing them out to passing children. Dozens of children dressed up as various ghoulish characters wandering around with their parents in toe, helping them to carry their swag.

I walked back to my apartment to witness yet more children wandering the streets with their parents and people up and down my street handing out sweets (or candy as it is known over here). I got home to meet a few of my neighbours work colleagues handing out treats on our doorstep. Lots of the houses around here have been decorated for weeks and it amazes me what a big thing Halloweeen is.

I am really going to miss Guy Fawkes Night on the 5th of November - don't think anyone knows about it over here ;-) We always had great parties and gatherings on Bonfire night, although currently my social calendar is emptier than it has ever been due to me being very new in town. Hope you have all enjoyed your Halloween and have a great Bonfire night if you celebrate it!
Posted by Marcus D. Hanwell in General at 21:38 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)

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I still kinda miss bonfire night. when I lived in england, we'd have a big bonfire by the canal behind our house, and all the neighbours would be there. my friend's mum made delicious caramel apples.
halloween is fun too, but it doesn't have the same sense of community.

and this year I'm in china which has a completely different set of holidays. I'm actually going to be in class on christmas day, even.
#1 Chani (Homepage) on 2007-10-31 23:36 (Reply)
That is pretty tough being in class on Christmas day. I thought I would be spending Christmas alone but thankfully my wife has managed to get flights out and will join me over the Christmas period.

I have yet to see the whole thanksgiving period. I always loved Bonfire night though - a big fire, lots of fireworks, gathered with friends on a cold Autumn night with some baked potatoes, cinder toffee and a toffee apple. Kids all get sparklers of course. Hope you are having fun over there.
#1.1 Marcus D. Hanwell on 2007-11-01 10:16 (Reply)
Where in Pittsburgh do you live? I used to live in Squirrel Hill and Shadyside.
#2 seele (Homepage) on 2007-11-01 07:22 (Reply)
I live in Squirrel Hill and work in Oakland. Shadyside is really nice too - I have been up there and looked around a little. There is a much nicer Giant Eagle up there if I have the time to do the extra bus journey!
#2.1 Marcus D. Hanwell on 2007-11-01 10:11 (Reply)

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